Sophie Ras-McDonald

Sophie (Walega) Ras-McDonald, 87, of Fairhaven passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 in the Royal of Fairhaven after a brief decline in her health. She was the wife of the late Edward McDonald and Chester K. Ras.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Klemens and Honorata (Paleczka) Walega, she lived most of her life in Acushnet. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Mrs. Ras-McDonald graduated from New Bedford High School. She later worked as a receptionist at the New Bedford Vocational School at the front desk.

She also owned and operated Avenue Seafood in New Bedford for a short time. Sophie also worked as a travel guide for Paragon Travels.

Sophie was an avid volunteer and she was very proud of her work that she did in the various soup kitchens.

She is survived by two granddaughters, Rebecca (Ras) Pacheco and her husband, Chris of E. Freetown and Christine Ras and Jillian of Westport; two great grandchildren, Amanda and Ryan Pacheco; a sister, Alice Belanger of Acushnet; her daughter in-law, Diane of Westport and many nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late William K. and Carol H. Ras and sister of the late Thaddeus, William, Frederick, Edward and Andrew Walega.

Her memorial visitation will be Monday, May 11, 2015 9-10 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Bedford. For online tributes and directions visit www.rock-funeralhome.com.